HISTORY NEBRASKA MANUSCRIPT FINDING AID
RG3574.AM: Theodore Newton Bobbitt, 1843-1940
Reminiscences, etc.: n.d.
Cass County and Lincoln, Lancaster County, Neb.: Homesteader
Size: 0.1 cu.ft; 1 envelope
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
Theodore Newton Bobbitt was born on February 23, 1843 in Morgan County, Illinois, the son of Everett H. and Mary (Newton) Bobbitt. After completing his education in 1861, Bobbitt enlisted for service in the Civil War but did not serve because of an accident. After teaching school for five months and serving as apprentice in a newspaper office, Bobbitt left for the Montana gold fields in 1864. While in Montana he took part in the Flour Riot that occurred April 19-25, 1865 in Virginia City and Alder Gulch.
After trying his hand at freighting, Bobbitt and his partner, R. W. Caldwell left Montana for Iowa. It was in Iowa that he met and married Amelia Phillips on November 5, 1868. The couple moved to Nebraska in October of 1869 and homesteaded in Cass County. In 1877 Bobbitt served one term in the Nebraska House of Representatives from Sunlight, Cass County. After his wife’s death in 1911, Bobbitt made his home with four of his children.
Several articles written by Bobbitt appeared in Nebraska History magazine, including one concerning a 3,300 mile trip along the Oregon Trail that he took with A.E. Sheldon [Nebraska State Historical Society Director] in July of 1924. Bobbitt was a member of the Nebraska State Historical Society, Sons of the American Revolution, and Plymouth Congregational Church (Lincoln, Neb.).
Theodore Newton Bobbitt died on February 1, 1940 and was buried at Alvo, Nebraska.
SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE
This collection is arranged in two series: 1) Reminiscences and Writings; and 2) Clippings. The bulk of the collection consists of personal reminiscences of Theodore Bobbitt relating to his life, his service in the 1877 Nebraska Legislature, and to gold mining in Montana. Also included are miscellaneous newspaper clippings.
Note: Check the Nebraska History Index for related information.
INVENTORY
Series 1 – Reminiscences and writings
Envelope
Folder
- Reminiscences and writings, undated
Series 2 – Clippings
- Clippings, undated
- Saturday Evening Post (see oversize)
Subject headings:
Bobbitt family
Bobbitt, Theodore Newton, 1843-1940
Cass County (Neb.) — History
Gold mines and mining — Montana
Homesteading — Nebraska — Cass County
Nebraska Legislature. House of Representatives
Overland journeys — Personal narratives
04-17-2009 Revised TMM/tmm
